If I've planned ahead for lunch (which I rarely do) then places where a reservation might help are Mon Ami Gabi, Mesa Grill and Olives. These restaurants just get really busy. But I've walked in for lunch at Mesa many times and never had to wait more than 10 minutes or so. Mon Ami, the wait can be longer, and I don't think you can reserve the patio. Olives, haven't been in quite awhile.

At Lotus of Siam, if you want to go for lunch (and be sure to order off the regular menu, do not get the buffet) then you want to get there close to opening (11:30?). We've gone before noon. Haven't made a lunch res. there, only a dinner res., not sure if they take lunch reservations, sure there are people here who know.

Burger Bar (Mandalay Place) also gets very crowded but two ways to deal with that are to arrive before noon, and/or to eat at one of the two bars. Rarely have we had to wait for seats at the bar.

For your other dinners, what kind of food are you thinking about? If you want a steakhouse, then I'd suggest Craftsteak (MGM) or Cut (Palazzo). More casual French? Bouchon (Venetian). Italian? Maybe Fiamma (MGM). Seafood? Etc.

Definitely not a steakhouse (we eat at them often here)..probably Italian or seafood. Unfortunately the husband is not a fan of Thai food, so Lotus of Siam is off the list. Thanks for your help. The restaurant scene in LV is quite overhwhelming.

Just so you know, my husband isn't a fan of Thai food either and it took a long time for him to agree to go to LOS. However, now he loves it and I don't have to beg and plead anymore. But we live within 10 minutes (literally) of some spectacular Thai food in North Hollywood, and he will never, ever go. Of course I don't know YOUR husband! Bribery, perhaps?

Seafood, I don't know. I like Seablue (MGM) well enough. Some here have been liking AquaKnox (Venetian) but I've only been once, for lunch, several years ago. Bouchon has a very nice raw bar as well as trout and salmon but it's not a seafood house per se, but you could definitely have a seafood/fish-centric meal there.

If there's a day that you want to do some sightseeing, then consider renting a car just for 24 hours and incorporate a dinner at Rosemary's. I'm a big fan of Rosemary's but we drive from L.A. so we have a car. I wouldn't pay for a cab to/from there.

When a Thai-phobic friend is eating at Lotus, I usually try to order something without a sauce. The barbecued beef is always a favorite. There is a little sauce on the side (it's not spicy, despite the menu description, but is very tasty). It's high quality beef, barbecued. The barbecued chicken is fine, too, although not as special. He might enjoy the new short rib dishes on the last page of the menu, too.

Nope (though maybe the one in Hollywood, but a really long time ago). I like Sri Siam (Coldwater/Vanowen). They have a pretty good crispy rice/sour sausage that in my mind compares adequately with the version at LOS, especially given the 10 minute drive vs. the 280-mile drive! I'm hardly an expert on Thai food though.

Okay...here is the itinerary as it stands now....dinners at Alex, Picasso, Lotus of Siam and Enoteco San Marco. Lunches to be decided when we get there but the short list is Carnegie Deli, Mesa Grill and Burger Bar. Brunch will be at Tableau. Also, are there good bakeries or what not on the strip where I could pick up a quick breakfast that won't keep me full past lunch time?

in may i was in las vegas,i highly reccomend delmonicosthe experiance was great,mon ami gami another great choicecarnegie deli was a waste of time dont bother you get a huge portion of dryed out lunch meat ,found better little dives with better food , also the range is very good enjoy , have fun

Have you ever eaten at Sanamluang on Sherman Way in the Bangluck Plaza? If so, how would you compare it to LOS?

Yes, that was my favorite Thai place by far when I lived in LA, and it was my gold standard until I tried LOS. Tough to compare - Sanamluang's menu may be a little bit more adventurous, but the preparation at LOS is superior.